5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT ELK ANTLERS 1. ELK ANTLER RETENTION IS TESTOSTERONE-DRIVEN Elk antlers begin to form immediately after the last set is shed. Because elk antler grows faster than any other tissue in its body, a healthy bull can grow nearly one inch of antler every single day, leaving them with a fully formed set of antlers within the next few months. In many cases, disputes with predators or other bulls will cause these antlers to break off, but they’ll actually shed on their own if left undamaged. Why? Because an elk’s ability to retain its antlers is driven by its testosterone levels. After mating season ends, the level of doe pheromones in the air decreases, causing bull testosterone to drop as well. Once a bull loses enough testosterone, its body will pick up on the change and begin to shed its antlers in response. 2. DIFFERENT ELK POPULATIONS HAVE UNIQUE ANTLERS There are many subspecies of elk, and at least six variants live in North America. Over time and multiple generations, elk adapt to their local environment through marked changes in behavior and appearance, and these changes can affect their antlers. Consequently, different populations of elk bear unique antler shapes and sizes. For example, Rocky Mountain elk have the largest antlers of all known elk subspecies! 3. FEMALE ELK FAVOR BULLS WITH MORE ANTLER POINTS Who knew that elk could count? Scientists researching the mating habits of elk have observed that females heavily favor suitors with the most antler points. This may be because doe are instinctually driven toward males with the highest levels of testosterone to ensure that their young grow up to be as strong and healthy as possible. 4. DOGS LOVE THEM It’s no secret that dogs love to chomp on things. Regrettably, many of our four-legged friends are so good at chewing that they bite through a majority of toys and chews within a few days. That’s why they love gnashing away at elk antlers for dogs. Elk antler chews are incredibly durable products that canines can’t resist, making them a fantastic tool to keep your pup entertained for countless hours while stimulating their inherent (and perfectly healthy) need to chew. 5. ANTLER MARROW ACTS AS A NATURAL TOOTHBRUSH Elk antler chews contain tasty, nutritious marrow (a soft substance found in the cavities of bones) that dogs adore. When your canine chews on this substance, it acts as a natural toothbrush that wipes away plaque, ensuring that his or her teeth stay healthy and clean. This makes antler chews a great boon for owners who want to give their canine a snack that’s delicious and good for their health.